Eric Karabell

(3:01 PM)

Hello all and welcome to the latest fantasy sports chat session. Thanks for your interest today, and I will try to answer as many questions as I possibly can in the next hour. Let's get things started...

Max (GA)

Hey EK what do you think of Alex Gonzalez's second half now that he's in ATL?

Eric Karabell

(3:02 PM)

I don't think this makes things better for him statistically. Look soon for a full blog on this trade, as Yunel Escobar was shipped to Toronto. Well, that will teach young players to loaf around the diamond! I really like Escobar as a free agent add. With Gonzalez, I could see another 10 home runs, but the batting average falls...

Roger (New York)

I have been offered Ellsbury for Posey in a keeper league. I have a slim chance of winning this year so this seems like a pretty good deal or is Posey going to be better than I think?

Eric Karabell

(3:03 PM)

Because stolen bases are hard to get, at least big-time options, Ellsbury is more valuable in a vaccuum for 2011, but he doesn't play catcher. I can see this as even if you think Posey is a .300-hitting catcher with 20-homer possibility, as I do.

RJ (Pittsburgh)

What would be a reasonable stat line for Sean Rodriguez the second half?

Eric Karabell

(3:04 PM)

I ranked him very well, in comparison to others, in our midseason rankings that were posted Tuesday. He just had a 4-17-6 June... so why can't he do that every month? He can. Second half: 10-35-12

Ben (arlington, tx)

Any signs of Lackey turning it around?

Eric Karabell

(3:05 PM)

I haven't seen any. His WHIP is through the roof and I see no reason why it will go down if his strikeout rate remains so pedestrian. I thought Lackey would be average, but not this bad.

jared (phoenix)

EK- looking to deal Strasburg for some hitting. what are same names i should be looking to get back in return? thanks

Eric Karabell

(3:06 PM)

Well, hide the articles about the Nationals capping his innings at 160 - or about 60 more, which is maybe 10 starts - and shoot for the moon. Some rankers loved this guy. I do, too, but of the remaining 10 weeks, he might pitch 6.

Stephen (Beantown)

Present and future, who ya got? Beckham or Alvarez?

Eric Karabell

(3:07 PM)

Beckham. Still. Yes, I am a bit stubborn, but it's not like Alvarez is doing much, either.

Mork (USA)

Just started researching and ranking players the other day. Is it just me or does the RB crop appear weak and unsettled? I"m thinking WR is the deeper position this year.

Eric Karabell

(3:08 PM)

Football! I think WR is deeper, but it's for that reason I'd be taking more chances on RBs in the first few rounds. I'm not saying going RB-RB in the first 2 rounds for sure, but if a save option is there in round 2 or 3... gotta consider it.

Andrew (CT)

If Derrek Lee gets traded to say the Angels, will we see his typical 2nd half numbers or will he stay about the same, especially since he'll be in the AL?

Eric Karabell

(3:09 PM)

I don't really think Lee's problem is related to where he plays his home games.. but yeah, I'd bump him up a tad if he's dealt.

Pablo Sandoval (Wendy's)

Seriously. What's wrong with me?

Eric Karabell

(3:10 PM)

It'd be too easy to blame fast food. Hey, I like Wendy's too... they make a nice chicken sandwich. Pablo was kinda large in 2009 as well, wasn't he?

John (CT)

Eric, love the chat and blogs, can I get a quick rest of 2010 and 2011 prediction for Justin Smoak?

Eric Karabell

(3:11 PM)

Thanks, John. I think next year he's a 20-80 guy who hits about .280. He's still growing. For this year, maybe 8 more homers.

Ryan (TX)

IBANEZ IBANEZ IBANEZ.... is it time to drop him or keep on hoping he'll turn it around

Eric Karabell

(3:12 PM)

I'm not seeing any indication the guy from the first half of 2009 is coming back. Maybe he can hit 3 or 4 home runs per month. That would be an upgrade. I only drop players if there are better ones available. Don't cut a struggler for another struggler.

Mike (Philly)

Eric, I have Alex Gonzalez in an AL only league. Can you clear up what happens to him now that hes in the NL. Can I still play him or not?

Eric Karabell

(3:13 PM)

He won't fall off the table... but there was going to be some regression anyway. Braves should hit him 6th or 7th regularly. He's been an NL player before, and had his best seasons there.

Josh (DC)

Hey EK, love the podcast. Name someone not in the top 25 that will hit more than 15 HRs the rest of the way. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

(3:17 PM)

Thank you. We try. One problem with your question: How many hitters will hit 15 more home runs? There are what, 10 weeks left? Last season 8 players hit more than 16 HR after the All-Star break. I'd say for players with 16 or fewer home runs so far - that's the line after the top 25 - you should see good work from Cano, C.Young, A-Rod, Ethier, Napoli, J.Upton, LaRoche, Braun, Hanley, ok, how about Lind?

Jshyne (Brooklyn)

Ek I have the first pick in a football keeper redraft. Its a PPR league best available options are Shone Greene,Ryan Mathews and Randy Moss. Im leaning towards Mathews just because or his reception chances,team,position and schedule who you got

Eric Karabell

(3:18 PM)

Probably Moss. He could catch a ton of passes... then Greene. Problem with him is I doubt he catches passes. LT will serve that role with the Jets. And Mathews..he's a rookie. Do you really wanna rely on him that highly? Not over Greene.

Jamie (Savannah, GA)

Trade question, because I need your opinion to put my mind at ease. Justin Upton and Loney for Tex. What side are you on?

Eric Karabell

(3:18 PM)

The Upton/Loney side. Upton with the speed is pretty much at Teixeira's level.

April (tennessee)

Do you see Chris Johnson having a little bit of regression this year?

Eric Karabell

(3:19 PM)

I don't predict 2,000 yards again... so yeah, some regression. But he is my top player.

JoJo (Richmond)

What's the likelihood that the Phillies make the playoffs?

Eric Karabell

(3:19 PM)

As the wildcard... I'd say it's 50-50. Probably better. As the NL East winner, not so good.

John (Memphis)

How did you rank Ellsbury, Podsednick &#x26; Damon.

Eric Karabell

(3:20 PM)

Damon, Pods, Ellsbury. Who knows when Ellsbury returns, or if he runs enough.

Keith (Arlington, VA)

Can you please explain what team Jason Werthy would go to where he would be a role player? He would start on any team (including Yankees over Granderson)

Eric Karabell

(3:21 PM)

Role player? Um no. But I doubt he gets traded ... also doubt he has a season like 2009.

Amy (Boston)

Prado for Beltran? Good deal or no. I currently have Aaron Hill looking to upgrade

Eric Karabell

(3:21 PM)

I would take Prado over Beltran, easily. And over Hill. Prado is legit.

Matt (Plano,TX)

In your opinion who should win MLB AL MVP? NL MVP? as of today

Eric Karabell

(3:22 PM)

Miggy Cabrera and Joey Votto. Easily.

Vernon (DC)

Do you think Meek takes over closing duties soon? What about Storen in my town?

Eric Karabell

(3:23 PM)

No and no. I think Dotel might get traded, but Hanrahan is next in line. And I don't think a lot of teams are lining up to trade for Capps. Clippard is probably next anyway.

Chris (Oakland)

Should I be worried about a Latos innings limit? Time to trade him for a veteran arm?

Eric Karabell

(3:24 PM)

Yes, Latos is likely to see a Phil Hughes-like reduction in innings the rest of the way. Not quite Strasburg like, but still, it's there.

Rocky (Portland,maine)

Is Chris Davis Russel Branyan or Troy Glaus?

Eric Karabell

(3:24 PM)

I think Davis is more like Branyan than what Glaus is doing this season.

Eric (Indiana)

Laporta's numbers for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

(3:25 PM)

I could see another 12-15 home runs. He's definitely got power and opportunity.

JoJo (Richmond)

Victorino or BJ Upton in the 2nd half? Is it close?

Eric Karabell

(3:27 PM)

Overall, I would say Victorino, though it's not a slam dunk. I doubt Victorino keeps up the same power pace.

Bimbo (Saudi Arabia)

FOOTBALL!!How Many TDs will SJ 39 score this season? He seems to have a favorable run schedule. Thanks,

Eric Karabell

(3:28 PM)

It's all about the health... it's also an awful team, on offense and defense. I'll say 8 scores... but maybe 1,300 yards.

Chad Henne (Miami)

I'm the steal of your fantasy draft.

Eric Karabell

(3:30 PM)

Why, because of Brandon Marshall? I do like Henne for this season, but is he a top-10 QB yet... not yet. Then again, if Jay Cutler is the No. 10 guy, he has a shot.

Brad (Jackson, MS)

Does Chris Coghlan move to 2B if Uggla is traded? It's been my secret hope all season long...

Eric Karabell

(3:32 PM)

Yeah, mine too! I don't know if the Marlins would make that move during the season, to be honest. They might just wait until next spring training. Plus, I still have doubts Uggla gets moved.

Dan (Chicago)

Prado over Beltran? Really? Granted, there is more risk with Beltran, but doesn't he also have higher upside? For teams that need a lottery ticket towards winning, wouldn't Beltran be a good choice?

Eric Karabell

(3:33 PM)

Prado is hitting a totally legit .325 with 10 home runs, and he's scored 60. I don't see Beltran hitting double digit HR the rest of the way. We have no idea if his knee feels fine, and he won't run.

bob (chi)

Would u feel comfortable starting Mendenhall and F Jones or would you pick a RB in the 1st rd?

Eric Karabell

(3:34 PM)

I wouldn't call that the safest starting fantasy backfield. Certainly has upside though. If you've got Andre Johnson, I like it more.

Eric Karabell

(3:34 PM)

Regis (PEI)

Now that Smoak is in Seattle how much does that hurt his keeper value? What kind of numbers could you see him put up next season?

Eric Karabell

(3:35 PM)

Doesn't help, that's for sure... He was already playing regularly. The ballpark change is drastic. And now he has to face MORE lefties... since Texas has a bunch!

Ray (VA)

Mark Reynolds can't stay at .215 for the rest of the season, can he?

Eric Karabell

(3:36 PM)

Sure he can. Just more proof how unlikely his 2009 really was.

Brad (Philly)

Don't forget LaPorta... he could hit 15 HRs the rest of the way...

Eric Karabell

(3:37 PM)

I didn't say he would.. but he has that ability to do so.

Scott (San Jose)

Will Jaime Garcia have a cap placed on his innings?

Eric Karabell

(3:37 PM)

I haven't heard that he will... but certainly I think there's some regression coming in his numbers, and LaRussa could scale things back for the postseason.

Chris (Oakland)

Next week would you take Dice-K's two starts against Seattle and Oakland, or Medlan's two starts against San Diego and Florida?

Eric Karabell

(3:38 PM)

I would take Medlen... but that doesn't mean Dice-K will be bad.

Ian (TX)

Thoughts on Leake. Will he get shutdown later? I'm in a H2H league.

Eric Karabell

(3:39 PM)

Haven't heard that one either. Maybe if he was a big-time strikeout guy.

Jamie (Canada )

Does Matt Kemp turn things around here in the second half?

Eric Karabell

(3:40 PM)

Turn things around? He is the No. 10 outfielder for the season, after all. He's not Adam Lind! I don't see why he'd get worse.

Mike (CA)

Is Hughes a dominant starter in 2011?

Eric Karabell

(3:41 PM)

He's pretty dominant now... no reason to think he'll get worse either. And no reason to think he's bullpen bound in 2011. Could be this season though, if Joba continues to struggle and the Yanks can acquire a Lilly/Oswalt.

Mike (Duluth)

Asdrubal Cabrera doesn't make the top 21 SS for the second half? Really?

Eric Karabell

(3:43 PM)

I don't think we can count on him. He should return in July, but no guarantees... and he had 1 HR and 1 SB when he got hurt.

Barry (Chicago)

Chicago-based Question, here. Which is more likely:Quentin continuing to stay hot, despite two horrible months OR Aramis Ramiriez picking it up in the second half after his recent surge.

Eric Karabell

(3:44 PM)

I'll go with Quentin. Big-time power bat. Ramirez was playing better, but it seems his thumb injury can occur whenever.

JoJo (Richmond)

Can you justify Jeter as the #2 SS in the consensus rankings?

Eric Karabell

(3:45 PM)

I think I know where you're going with this... who else is there? That's the problem. Jeter feels like he shouldn't be No. 2, but good luck finding another healthy option.

Andy (Syracuse, NY)

Whats your take on Way-Rod in 2nd half?

Eric Karabell

(3:46 PM)

I way like him?

Brian (NY)

Do you think Brett Gardner keeps this up in the 2nd half and 2011?

Eric Karabell

(3:46 PM)

Absolutely. He could lead the majors in steals. About time the Yankees figured this out rather than trying to trade for bad outfielders.

tim (mi)

asdrubal cabrera or brian roberts...who ya got for the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

(3:48 PM)

I wouldn't be surprised if Roberts doesn't play at all. So I take Cabrera.

Bryan (NY)

Is it ok if I tell people we're friends?

Eric Karabell

(3:49 PM)

Everyone here is my friend.

Chris (Chicago)

Can James Loney be a .300, 100 RBI guy? In a vaccuum would you prefer him over Carlos Pena or BJ Upton?

Eric Karabell

(3:50 PM)

Thirty? He has 6 home runs. Be happy if he hits 15, but take the under. I'd take him over Pena, but not Upton. Kind of depends how much you need to protect batting average.

Big Easy (MA)

this Wood kid from Cinci for real or what? He's got some easy matchups ahead

Eric Karabell

(3:51 PM)

Yeah, I think Travis Wood is legit. He's not really a 'no-hit' type pitcher like he was over the weekend in Philly, but has good stuff, is mature, should accrue strikeouts.

Gorman (DC)

Thanks EK! I've always thought of us as friends! Can I send you a facebook freind request?

Eric Karabell

(3:51 PM)

I accept them all, always have. Of course, I also hit 5,000... so not much I can do. I relate to the people!

Lee (Virginia)

Take your pick--Glaus, Laroche, Dunn

Eric Karabell

(3:51 PM)

Dunn, Glaus and then Mr. Second Half.

John (Seattle)

Is James McDonald worthy of a pick up? Talk is that he is coming up to replace Ely in the Dodgers rotation.

Eric Karabell

(3:52 PM)

Ely certainly had his chances. I thought he could maintain performance, but he doesn't have great stuff. Neither does McDonald for that matter.

Eric Karabell

(3:52 PM)

Misread the Loney question... sorry. Yes, he can hit .300 for sure.

Jon (Atlanta)

Elvis is making a solid case for the #2 SS....Is there something that you don't like about him

Eric Karabell

(3:53 PM)

I like him a lot. But Jeter is safer. If I thought Andrus would definitely steal 40 bases, maybe.. .but he's getting caught a lot and hasn't hit for any power.

Chris (MA)

Straight from a Phils fan's gut: How many weeks until Utley's back?

Eric Karabell

(3:54 PM)

Late-August. So another 5 weeks, at least.

Bob (Nashville)

I think it's time you slow down and actually read the questions being asked of you.

Eric Karabell

(3:55 PM)

Nice guys, you people... I retract the friends line.

Zack Morris (Bayside)

Gomes or Pagan?

Eric Karabell

(3:56 PM)

Pagan. Should steal 30 bases and hit double digits in home runs. He's not going to be benched for Beltran. It's Francoeur who will be.

Pete ( Work)

Strasburg top 5 pitcher in 2011?

Eric Karabell

(3:56 PM)

I'll say top 10... tough to commit to top 5 as of now.

Matt (VA)

What do you expect from Infante the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

(3:58 PM)

He should continue to hit for batting average, but he doesn't have power or speed. And at some point the Braves could/should upgrade the outfield, which means he'd need someone to get hurt.

Mike (Dallas)

C. Santana or Montero?

Eric Karabell

(3:58 PM)

Santana...

Eric Karabell

(3:59 PM)

OK, that's about enough for today. Thanks to everyone for the questions and for your support of ESPN Fantasy games. Enjoy this day off.. .the season resumes Thursday, and there won't be days off until October... take a deep breath! Adios!